Saturday 11 July 2009

Transpac: Alfa Romeo Update


Helicopter shot of Alfa Romeo during the Transpac. Image copyright Sharon Green/Ulimate Sailing.

by Lynn Fitzpatrick

The most recent update puts Alfa Romeo approximately 150 nautical miles out from Transpac 09's Diamond Head Light finish line. The pace has slowed, but the boat is still hauling the mail at over 15 knots. The Aloha reception crews at Waikiki Yacht Club and throughout Honolulu are making preparations for the team's arrival. It looks as if the Jimmy Buffett burgers will be hitting the right spot in the freezed-dried food-fueled crew sometime early in the morning HST (Hawaii Standard Time).

This from Murray Spence on July 9th:

"The Trade wind conditions continue and the wind has veered enough for us to set our first asymmetric spinnaker, the code 2. We had a good run during the night and despite having to back down once to remove debris from the rudder we managed a day's run of 420 nm.

"The Volvo guys on board are saying that this sailing is their reward for toughing it out around the world. This sailing is definitely a long way from sailing upwind in 45 kts with 3-degree temperature."

Transpac Race

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